Quotes from Ancient TimesWhat the rich and famous and wise saidThoughtful and attentive words to contenplate learn fromNote: Throughout history the rich, famous and wise have said things that have been recorded in the form of quote.s It is the study of these quotes that give insight into life.

Solomon (died c. 930 BC), king of the ancient Hebrews and son of David

As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.

As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons.

Lycurgu (fl. c. 850 BC), Spartan semi-mythical law-giver

There thou beholdest the walls of Sparta, and every man a brick.

To one that advised him to set up a democracy in Sparta, "Pray," said Lycurgus, "do you first set a democracy in your own house."

But what says the Greek? "In the morning of like, work; in the midday, give counsel; in the evening, pray."

We know to tell many fictions like to truths, and we know, when we will, to speak what is true.

Night, having Sleep, the brother of Death.

On the tongue of such an one they shed a honeyed dew, and from his lips drop gentle words.

In man speaks God.

The potter is at enmity with the potter.

The artist envies what the arties gains,
The bard the rival bard's successful strains.
- Works and Days (bk. I, l. 43) [Envy]

No whispered rumours which the many spread can wholly perish.

Aerial spirits, by great Jove design'd
To be on earth the guardians of mankind:
Invisible to mortal eyes they go,
And mark our actions, good or bad, below:
The immortal spies with watchful care preside,
And thrice ten thousand round their charges glide:
They can reward with glory or with gold,
A power they by Divine permission hold.
- Works and Days (l. 164) [Spirits]

Often an entire city has suffered because of an evil man.
- Works and Days (l. 240) [Suffering]

It is better to decide a difference between enemies than friends, for one of our friends will certainly become an enemy and one of our enemies a friend.

Most men are bad.

Speak of the gods as they are.

Themistocles (514? BC - 449 BC) Athenian statesman and commander I never learned how to tune a harp, or play upon a lute; but I know how to raise a small and inconsiderable city to glory and greatness.